June 19th, 2007
For thousands of years humans have used plants, barks, and fruits to create healthy and pleasant scented oils. These oils have been used in massage for centuries and are the staple of aromatherapy. There are two theories about why oils are beneficial to humans; the ingredients in plants are beneficial when inhaled (aroma doesn’t matter) or scents are beneficial when inhaled synthetic or not.The general consensus however is that natural/organics are always better than artificial ingredients.
Tribal people first started using plants for their benefit probably by accident. Over the years different parts of different plants were found to have various benefits to the human body. Some of the most popular herbal ingredients are well known and often come in teas. Lemon grass, chamomile, lavender, sandalwood and mandarin are all some of the plants most commonly used. Other common ingredients are essential oils like cinnamon, nutmeg, myrrh, cedar wood and cloves. Many of these same extracts were used by the ancient Egyptians to embalm the dead.
Today many methods are used to extract these valuable oils. One of the most popular methods of extracting valuable oils is through the use of alcohol. Distillation and cold expression are other ways to extract oils from plants. Alcohol was likely the preferred method of the ancients because it was readily available and the extraction process is exceedingly simple.
Many therapists use special oils and apply them to the skim, which is best for skin and muscles problems as well as burns. Some people ingest oils which isn’t recommended for every oil, however many do have internal benefits, helping the digestive track and the intestines. The same theory applies to inhalation which is beneficial to those with respiratory problems like infection or colds. For those with asthma aromatherapy is not recommended until you have consulted with a physician. Also be sure if you have allergies you know what ingredients are in the oils you’re using, otherwise this could be quite dangerous.
Massage and aromatherapy have been used for so long not because of falsehoods and superstitions but because they have mental, spiritual and physical benefits. Certain fragrances have the ability to affect the part of the brain that handles emotion, usually calm and relaxation. This is why oils like lavender are so widely used. For many years these techniques also helped humans get in touch with their spiritual side, in eastern cultures oils and fragrances were common. Tibetan monks used many earthly ingredients throughout their practices to increase awareness, relaxation and allow them to get in touch with the spirits. With all the benefits aromatherapy and massage have to offer, one obvious question remains. Why shouldn’t you get an aromatherapy massage?
Tags: aromatherapy
Posted in Other | 4 Comments »
May 30th, 2007
There are many different forms of massage out there. You can a massage on a massage table a chair sometimes even on the floor. In fact there are over 50 types of massage but only one stands out. Using rocks, heat and oil this type of massage is unique, bold and beyond relaxing. First your massage therapy places smooth stones strategically along your back. Usually the stones are heated which provides a stimulating and deep effect on the muscles. For people with sinus congestion, breathing disorders and other health problems heat and steam are god sends.
The use of hot stones on the body is common throughout history and has been used for healing for centuries. In ancient times Egyptians used heated stones for ceremonial purposes. Native Americans also used heated stones and the Hawaiian natives performed Lomi Lomi massage which involved the use of hot stones. It wasn’t until 1994 that modern civilization picked up body massage and stone massage. A massage therapist from Tucson, Arizona researched the LaStone method for 3 years. She then began training massage therapists with her technique and through word of mouth LaStone massage spread.
In a hot stone massage the special smooth stones are heated up in water and then used two different ways. Some of the stones will be placed under a towel along both sides of the spine. Supposedly this heats the “chakra” the sacred human energies. This is meant to regenerate the body and soul and deeply cleanse it. Then the other stones are coated in oil and used in the hands of the therapist to perform massage techniques. The heat allows the stone to penetrate deeper parts of the tissue allowing for a more effective massage with greater health benefits.
The River stone massage was named that because the stones used were smoothed from years of constant water. River stones are particularly smooth and were often the stone of choice for this technique. Today there are few massage therapists that practice hot stone massage except for the exotic. The Hyatt Regency on the Choptank River offers this massage and is highly credited for it. If you ever get the opportunity try a hot stone massage and enjoy the benefits.
Tags: river stone massage, stone massage
Posted in Massage Therapy | 2 Comments »
May 10th, 2007
The level of spas and massage franchises are increasing dramatically every day. There has never been a better time in history to get into massage therapy and get your massage table. A recent study by the International Spa Association on industry spa trends showed that over two million spa-goers attended lifestyle classes in 2005. Showing that spa-goers consider spa visits as a necessity or entitlement and for general health as opposed to being pampered. According to ISPA president Lynne Walker McNees “One in four American adults have been to a spa and know what they want from a quality spa experience. The trends are being driven by educated spa-goers who actually see them as expectations.”
Other highlights of the study include:
- Thirty-one percent of spa-goers are men who are going to spas looking for experiences tailored specifically to males.
- Sixty-three percent of U.S. spa-goers have visited a spa while traveling.
- There is an increase in mothers who are buying products designed for them and their babies.
- Spa-goers are drawn to indigenous treatments and products, especially when traveling.
- Spa-goers want spa experiences that are customized to their personal needs and desires.
- Eighty percent of U.S. spa-goers admit they use their time at the spa as an opportunity to socialize, and therefore, many spas are catering to this trend.
- Some spas, especially those located in urban areas, are adding residential components to their facilities, and many real estate developers are building spas in gated communities and condominium
These kinds of trends affect the massage table industry greatly and will continue to bolster new growth in the alternative health industry. One thing that always accompanies new growth is a raise in equipment prices. That’s why it’s far better to start now before it becomes more costly. Buy a good table like Earthlite, Stronglite and Inner-strength.
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